Columbines

Overview

Also known as aquilegia, columbines are the state flower of Colorado. These perennials prefer shade and a woodland setting is ideal. However, full sun is not a problem, although intense sunlight can scorch the plants. Columbines take a long time to germinate but, once established in the garden, they will spread. Winterizing these flowers is as easy as growing them.

Step 1

Leave the faded flower stems on the columbine to produce seeds. Columbines are self-seeders and leaving the faded flower stem on the plant allows the seeds to mature.

Step 2

Remove the faded flower stem if you do not want the plant to self-seed. Cut these stems to the ground.

Step 3

Continue to water the columbines, even after the flowers fade. Keep the soil moist, but do not allow the soil to get soggy.

Step 4

Remove any wilted columbine foliage. Cut the faded leaves back to ground level.

Step 5

Scatter a light layer of mulch or decaying leaves over the cut columbine plants.